Letters | Abortion coverage, immigration reform

Abortion coverage

The Courier-Journal's recent editorial regarding the Kentucky U.S. Senate race asserts that there is "no federal money involved" in funding abortion under Obamacare.

While it is certainly the case that many plans subsidized under Obamacare will not have such coverage (and Kentucky law reinforces this), it is also true that for many states federal tax subsidies will be used to pay the vast majority of the cost for plans that include elective abortion.

In fact, the federal Office of Personnel Management is working hard right now to ensure that such plans will be available in the 27 states that allow elective abortion in their exchanges.

A new study by the Charlotte Lozier Institute estimates that between 71,000 and 111,500 abortions will receive new public subsidies under Obamacare's exchanges and Medicaid expansion.

Health care law is complex, but this abortion "surge" is a non-trivial matter in the public debate over this issue.

CHUCK DONOVAN

President, Charlotte Lozier Institute

Washington, D.C. 20036

Immigration reform

I join social service workers, people of all faith traditions, and concerned citizens in urging real comprehensive and fair immigration reform. Members of all political parties agree that our immigration system is broken.

Now is the time to fix it.

To be truly effective, immigration reform must address the root causes of immigration.

There are reasons individuals are willing to risk their lives crossing the desert - they face crushing poverty, and in many cases, persecution in their home country.

They come with hope that they can provide for the basic needs of their family.

We need Congress to approve a bill that addresses real needs:

? ensuring a legal path to citizenship;

? enabling the uniting of families;

? creating a fair guest worker program;

? ensuring access to basic benefits and services;

? ending indiscriminate raids and detention.

From my own experience I am aware of the real contributions immigrants have already made in the United States.

The passage of the Dream Act enabling young undocumented immigrants to study opens a door.

We must keep that door open.

SR. JUDY MORRIS

Dominican Sisters of Peace

Louisville 40205

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Letters | Abortion coverage, immigration reform

The Courier-Journal's recent editorial regarding the Kentucky U.S. Senate race asserts that there is 'no federal money involved' in funding abortion under Obamacare.